The 8th-generation Honda Accord sedan sets new standards of refinement and new benchmarks for its competitors. The new Accord measures five inches longer and one inch wider than the Toyota Camry. An inch or more space has been added to back-seat leg and knee room in the more spacious cabin. Richer cabin materials are also in abundance, with a choice of stain or wood accents, very much like an Acura interior.

The DOHC 2.4-liter four remains the base engine, rated at 177 or 190 hp. The high-output version comes with variable-valve timing hardware and revs to a 7,100-rpm redline, providing shades of that old Honda magic. The SOHC V6 grows from 3.0 to 3.5 liters, spinning out an impressive 268 hp. In the sedan, the V6 comes equipped with Honda's VCM (variable cylinder management) system, which allows it to run on 3, 4, or all 6 cylinders. Honda figures it adds a gallon per mile to the overall mpg numbers. Although the engines produce more power, the new Accords' gas mileage remains the same as or better than (depending on the reviewer) that of the '07s. The V6 gets 19 mpg city and 29 highway, with the fours rated at 21/31 mpg.

In the sedan only the four-cylinder engines get the five-speed manual, with a five-speed automatic optional. The high-output four and the V6 come with a noise-canceling system that works through the Accord's speaker system.

The front suspension has undergone changes, with a new variable-ratio, variable-effort steering system added. The high-output four and the V6 get front spring tower braces. Honda has lowered the car's center of gravity and raised its roll centers, which add up to much less body roll in the turns. Overall, reviewers praised the new Accord's firm but compliant ride, ranking it at a higher level of sophistication than its competitors.

Honda has made safety a priority for the whole line. The Accord comes standard with ABS brakes, traction control, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, dual-stage front airbags, front-row side-impact thorax bags, side-curtain airbags front and back, and active head restraints. Honda also redesigned the front end to reduce injures in case of collision with a pedestrian.

This all comes at a similar price point to last year's model. But Honda is not doing this only for consumers - it's aiming at Toyota's Camry and Nissan's Altima.